Coast Guard assists disabled ferry in New York Harbor

Nov 22nd, 2016 · Comments Off on Coast Guard assists disabled ferry in New York Harbor

NEW YORK – Coast Guard Cutter Sailfish helps set up a tow with The Manhattan, a ferry with 100 people aboard that became disabled in New York Harbor on Nov. 22, 2016. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier)

NEW YORK — The Coast Guard assisted a disabled ferry in the New York Harbor and East River, Tuesday afternoon.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New York Command Center were notified that the ferry, The Manhattan, was disabled in the vicinity of Governors Island with 100 people aboard.

The captain also advised the Coast Guard that the ferry had dropped anchor, but the current and weather conditions prevented the anchor from holding.

The command center launched several Coast Guard Station New York rescue boatcrews so they could create a security zone for the drifting vessel. A safety broadcast was also issued to all commercial and recreational traffic in the harbor to notify them to transit the area with caution.

Coast Guard Cutter Sailfish, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Bayonne, New Jersey, also proceeded to the scene to provide assistance.

Several Coast Guard members boarded the ferry to provide help to the crew. The Sailfish arrived on scene around 4:00 p.m., and established a stern tow with The Manhattan.

Coast Guard Cutter Sailfish took the ferry up the East River to pier 36 where a commercial salvage tug helped maneuver the ferry directly to the pier. By 6:00 p. m., all passengers had safely disembarked the vessel.